Wellness Destinations That Are Perfect for People With Anxiety

The stress of traveling is real. Many people are afraid of traveling, and dealing with large crowds and using public transit in a foreign country may be stressful. And don’t even get me started on the effects of dietary shifts on the digestive system! However, if you travel to beautiful places like Maui’s beaches, Kyoto’s woods, or the North Island of New Zealand’s rolling hills, you may return home feeling more relaxed and at peace.

More and more hotels include yoga, meditation classes, and "forest bathing" as part of their "wellness" packages to help guests relax and recharge during their stay.

We’ve compiled a list of our most anticipated travel locations and health and wellness initiatives for the next year.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is one of the top East Coast summer destinations due to its pristine beaches and delicious seafood. But this area is also stunning in the off-season, when you can take advantage of cheaper rates, fewer visitors, and less bridge traffic.

From January 11 to 13, 2019, guests of the renowned Chatham Bars Inn may take advantage of a holistic Girlfriends Getaway Package that includes 15% off spa treatments, a variety of wellness activities (such as meditation, yoga, and nature walks), and cooking workshops with the resort’s culinary staff.

Visit the Cape Cod National Seashore whenever you’re in the area. You will return after a peaceful stroll down the 40 miles of Outer Cape shoreline, past scenic cranberry bogs and stunning lighthouses, feeling rejuvenated.

Baja California Peninsula, Mexico

This peninsula in Northwestern Mexico is situated between the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico, so there is no shortage of beautiful beaches to enjoy. And if you’re looking for a wellness-focused vacation in Baja California, go no further than the exclusive One&Only Palmilla on the Sea of Cortez in Los Cabos.

Together with wellness-focused travel agency Wanderwell, the resort has planned six trips for the coming year. The New Year, New You trip is January 11-13; the Vino & Vinyasa trips are March 8-10, May 10-12, and September 27-29; the Mindful Wellness trips are June 7-9; and the Eatwell Discovery trips are November 1-3. Spa days, yoga classes, and courses on mindful healing will all be available during these getaways.

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca (especially the area surrounding Palma, the island’s capital) is known for its lively nightlife and larger beach resorts, but the island also has much to offer those who are more interested in relaxation or healthy activities.

For instance, the Ashram Mallorca is situated on an olive estate close to Porto Sóller. This year, the firm will host three separate health retreats in April, May, and June. Hiking 3,000-foot peaks, kayaking, doing TRX and Pilates, and winding down with a calming yoga class—these are just some of the outdoor activities that will be featured on the itineraries designed to help you declutter your mind. The retreat is set in a beautiful home with a saltwater pool and breathtaking views of olive, lemon, and orange trees, and the vegetarian food is delicious and nutritious (plenty of fresh juices and vegetables). Peace at last.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is a paradise for wellness-seeking adventurers, with activities ranging from snorkeling with sea turtles to climbing through volcanic craters at Haleakala National Park to surfing at Ho’okipa Beach. If you’re looking to splurge, the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort has you covered with complimentary activities including outrigger canoe rides, guided kayak excursions, stand-up paddleboard instruction, and beachside yoga sessions.

While you’re there, treat yourself to a relaxing service from the extensive menu at the Awili Spa and Salon. You may create your own special oil mixture to be used in massages and other treatments by opting for the Apothecary Blending Experience, which costs $55.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Aro Hā is a beautiful retreat center overlooking Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand that emphasizes the mind-body connection. The resort’s much-lauded retreats feature mindfulness-based components at every turn. (The literal translation of Aro H is "in the presence of divine breath.")

Yoga, functional strength training, massage, culinary workshops, and spa treatments are just some of the options available at these retreats. The vegetarian food is geared at improving digestive health, and the building was constructed with sustainability in mind.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Anyone who has ever been to Santa Fe knows that there is a certain enchantment to the "City Different." Santa Fe has always been a popular destination for those in the creative industries. Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which has over three thousand pieces by the artist, to be inspired. Bandelier National Monument has almost 70 miles of trails where you may get some fresh air and learn about the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people while learning about their cave houses and ruins. Visit the Santa Fe Farmers Market and stock up on healthy, locally grown vegetables from more than 150 vendors.

Retreat to the mind and body rejuvenating Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort. Relax in the gardens or outdoor baths, learn to cook or meditate, or participate in a yoga or meditation session.

Kyoto, Japan

If you’re up for a journey to the Land of the Rising Sun, Travel & Leisure’s 2017 destination of the year, Kyoto has several options for you to unwind. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of the most photographed spots in Kyoto, is also one of the greatest places to practice forest bathing, an immersive kind of meditation in nature, which is thought to have originated in Kyoto.

The fall foliage is stunning, especially at the many temples and shrines that are only accessible to the public during this time of year. Relieve tension with a bath in a hot spring by booking a stay at a ryokan, a Japanese-style inn.

Barnard, Vermont

Everyone agrees that we should avoid Vermont throughout the year. The Green Mountain State is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers rejuvenating hiking in the summer, stunning fall foliage, and excellent skiing in the winter. Barnard, Vermont, on 300 acres, is home to Vermont’s first five-star, all-inclusive luxury resort. Enjoy the fresh farm-to-table cuisine, the yoga on the terrace (with a view), the stand-up paddle boarding on Copper Pond, and the Japanese-style baths at Twin Farms when you book a stay.

You may stay in the Main House in one of the beautifully furnished, themed rooms, or in one of the farm’s quaint, private cottages with your special someone. Floor-to-ceiling windows, a stylish wood fire, and a midcentury vibe make the Aviary Cottage a delight. However, the stunning natural stone hot tub in the bathroom next to the fieldstone fireplace is what really sold us on this house. Please let us stay here indefinitely.

Santa Barbara, California

The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore in Santa Barbara is a visual and sensory delight, even if just for the weekend, as it is located just steps from one of California’s most beautiful beaches. The resort has 22 acres of tranquil gardens and lush rainforest and features private bungalows with ocean views.

Have breakfast at the hotel, then head out to the Gaviota Peak trailhead to begin your day. If you’re looking to get some fresh air and connect with nature, this 6-mile out-and-back trip is for you. A session in the Himalayan Salt Cave (the largest salt cave in North America!) can do wonders for sore muscles; there, the air is rich with minute particles of salt, which are absorbed through the skin and lungs. Relax in a zero-gravity recliner for 45 minutes as the room lights go down and soothing music plays. You may finish off the night with the finest fish tacos of your life at the informal, seaside Shoreline Cafe.

Get your energy up with a healthy smoothie bowl from Backyard Bowls the next morning before relaxing in a hammock during a one-of-a-kind yoga session. In the Aireal Yoga class, you may practice inversions, swing, and climb to new heights. After that, unwind on Butterfly Beach with a swim or a SUP session in the Pacific. We advise scheduling an evening sailing tour around the coast from Santa Barbara Harbor.

Alta, Utah

Alta is one of the greatest (if not the best) ski resorts in the United States, because to its excellent terrain and abundant snow. You also have access to more than 2,000 acres of land.

Don’t want to go skiing alone yourself, but you don’t have a spouse or best friend that can come with you? Leave it at that. During the winter and spring seasons, Alta Lodge hosts two popular all-women’s ski camps led by instructors from Alta’s Alf Engen Ski School. Skiing with other adventurous ladies, this program is designed for those who are already at an intermediate to advanced level on the slopes (you should be able to ski blues with ease).

Three days of skiing, four nights’ lodging (in a very nice, Instagrammable 1940s lodge), fantastic cuisine, traditional après ski (we know you’re asking), and, of course, kickass female friendship are all included in the all-inclusive package.

Napa, California

Napa is a wonderful, stress-free place full with organic vineyards and incredibly ah-inducing scenery—the perfect place for a girls’ weekend or a romantic getaway with your significant other. The Napa Valley Vine Trail is a 47-mile walking and bike trail now under construction, linking the whole Napa valley from Vallejo to Calistoga. Relax with a glass of organic Cabernet blend and the sights and sounds of Napa Valley at the end of the day at Cain Vineyard and Winery.

Because of all the delicious food and wine we consume on our travels, sticking to our regular exercise schedule may be challenging. The Westin Verasa Napa is here to welcome you. The hotel features a gear loaner program in case you forget your sportswear and footwear, and the fitness studios (and certain guest rooms) are equipped with Peloton cycles and TRX training equipment. You may rent New Balance footwear and apparel from the Gear Lending program for just $5 for the duration of your stay. Seriously. And the socks are yours to keep (wink).